China's Xi and Russia's Putin reinforce ties in video call

Russian leader Vladimir Putin hailed Moscow's economic, political and security ties with Beijing as a "stabilizing" factor in turbulent times globally, in a video call with China's Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

Moscow and Beijing have sought to present a united front against the West, with ties deepening since Russia's 2022 Ukraine offensive.

The call comes days after top officials from both countries agreed ties could "break new ground" this year as Moscow and Beijing ramp up economic cooperation.

"Amid growing turbulence, the foreign policy alliance between Moscow and Beijing remains an important stabilizing factor," Putin told Xi in a video broadcast on Russian state TV.

"The Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation is exemplary," Putin said, addressing Xi as "dear friend".

Putin praised trade ties, with Moscow redirecting its exports to Asia after Western countries imposed massive sanctions on Russia over the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive.

China has never denounced Russia's war not called for it to withdraw troops, and many of Ukraine's allies believe that Beijing has provided support to Moscow.

The video call took place as Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators met in Abu Dhabi for another round of talks on ending the almost four-year war.

But Putin made no mention of Ukraine during his call with Xi.

The two leaders last met in person in September, when the Russian leader attended Beijing's massive military parade.

Xi also visited Moscow last year, in May, for Russia's celebrations of the World War II defeat of the Nazis.

Last weekend, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russia's security chief Sergei Shoigu in Beijing.

Wang told Shoigu that China and Russia must work together to uphold multilateralism in a time of "turmoil", and "advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world", according to China's foreign ministry.